-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The great Davos talking shop is now up and running , with delegates of all levels of importance , shapes and nationalities zeroing in on this quaint , alpine town to put the world to rights .

For many ordinary people the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum -LRB- WEF -RRB- is yet another `` important '' summit in the calendar where the elite of business and politics will schmooze for a few days in a rarefied environment they have little or no experience of .

Whether or not you believe events such as Davos justify their lofty ambitions , they are certainly a unique experience . So how do you become a Davos delegate ?

Official invite

The World Economic Forum is strictly by invitation only , with 2,600 participants representing over 100 countries . The roll call includes CEOs and representatives from the world 's biggest corporations ; politicians and heads of state from the G20 and other key countries ; technology innovators ; social entrepreneurs ; philanthropists and media companies .

However these special invitations -- or white badges -- are not free for everyone . Unless you 're an anchor for one of the many broadcasters covering the event ; an academic ; a faith leader ; a Young Global Leader -LRB- young people with great potential selected by the WEF from all fields of business -RRB- ; a social entrepreneur ; or from an NGO , the average cost to a business to send each delegate is close to a whopping $ 20,000 .

Huge travel budget

Getting to this small ski resort , nestled in a picturesque valley high up in the Swiss Alps 150 km south-west of Zurich , is not for the budget traveler . For a delegate arriving from New York this week flying business class , the price comes in at between $ 4,200 and $ 5,300 .

A visitor from Tokyo can expect to pay between $ 7,200 and $ 10,500 , while a delegate flying in from Johannesburg , South Africa will pay around $ 4,150 .

And once in Zurich there 's the small matter of the transfer to Davos . A regular shuttle bus and train service is available , but a two-hour trip by public transport may not suit the business client .

The alternative would be a limousine which would cost 650 Swiss Francs -LRB- $ 689 -RRB- for a one-way trip . However corporate CEOs may choose to come by helicopter , which costs around $ 9,500 for a return flight .

Place to stay

Finding accommodation in Davos during the week of the World Economic Forum is not easy , with a limited number of large hotels . Predictably tariffs reflect the resulting demand/supply imbalance , with a room in a modest three-star hotel coming in at around 500 Swiss Francs -LRB- $ 530 -RRB- per night .

Those with a considerably bigger budget often choose to rent out whole apartments or chalets . A chalet sleeping up to ten people for the week can command as much as 60,000 Swiss Francs -LRB- $ 63,600 -RRB- - though catering might just be included .

The right outfit

It 's cold in Davos , very cold . At 5,052 ft -LRB- 1,540 m -RRB- above see level , temperatures average -6 degrees Celsius -LRB- 21.1 degrees Fahrenheit -RRB- in January .

Thermal underwear , winter jackets and snow boots are a must , particularly when the temperature plummets in the evenings as you make your way to the various cocktail parties , meals and social events hosted by partner companies . It is not uncommon to see $ 2,000 bespoke suits finished off with bulky snow boots around the Congress Center .

Knowing where to go

With all the above boxes ticked , it is essential to have a plan once you have run the gauntlet of airport-style security -- there are 4,000 Swiss troops in Davos this week -- and made it inside the newly-extended Congress Center with the correct color of identity pass . Some delegates do nothing but network with other delegates , oblivious to the feverish discussions going all around them about the post-crisis new reality .

So delegates can spend four days roaming this cavernous indoor amphitheater attending conferences and workshops about everything from how the environment agenda will change in light of current trends and norms , to how music can transform communities and unite people .

$ 40,000-per head well spent .

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World Economic Forum is strictly by invitation only , with 2,600 participants

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Average cost to a business to send each delegate is a whopping $ 20,000

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Getting to Davos and then finding accomodation also hits the pocket hard

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Wealthier delegates can take a helicopter from Zurich to Davos for about $ 10,000